Many trails have multiple uses. Be sure to respect other visitors and their use of the trail.

Although you may not see them, our parks are home to many species of wildlife. Remember that you are visiting their home.

Take a Hike!

Some recommended trails:

Brown's Woods: Located just west of 63rd Street in West Des Moines Trail: Front Loop, .4 miles Description: The giant oak trees shading this trail create a solid canopy of leaves penetrated by dancing rays of sunlight. Difficulty: Moderate

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt: Located northeast of Des Moines, 5 miles east of Elkhart Trail: Nature Trail, .8 miles Description: This tranquil trail winds along the old ox-bows of the Skunk River. Keep an eye out for great blue herons, wood ducks, and river otters. Difficulty: Easy

Easter Lake: Located east of SE 14th Street on Easter Lake Drive in Des Moines Trail: Wymore Trail, .9 miles Description: Catch a glimpse of beautiful Easter Lake as you walk along this densely wooded trail. Difficulty: Easy

Fort Des Moines: Located on southeast 5th Street, south of Army Post Road in Des Moines Trail: Nature Trail, .7 miles Description: This trail winds through a tapestry of sunlight, shadows, and greenery. Listen for chattering chipmunks, scolding blue jays, and whispering wind. Difficulty: Easy

Jester Park: Located 15 miles northwest of Des Moines near Granger Trail: Camper's Loop, .3 miles Description: You'll enjoy spectacular views of Saylorville Lake on this peaceful trail as you hike through beautiful oak and hickory trees. Difficulty: Easy

Thomas Mitchell: Located on NE 46 St. east of Altoona Trail: Devotie Loop, .7 miles Description: This ridge top trail is part of the old stagecoach trail that stopped at Thomas Mitchell's cabin. Thomas Mitchell was the first permanent Anglo-American settler in Polk County. Difficulty: Moderate

Yellow Banks: Located 10 miles southeast of Des Moines, south of Hwy. 163 Trail: Savanna Trail, .4 miles Description: On this trail, you can introduce yourself to some of the oldest residents. This trail guides you past some of the last remaining savanna oak trees in Polk County, some are estimated to be more than 250 years old. Difficulty: Moderate